The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

WITH a three-month layoff still looming since the last time the Lakers last played, the major question in ‘Laker Land’ is whether they’ll be able to pick up where they left off.

I guess we all have to wait until the end of July, when the NBA resumes, to see the outcome on that front.

The Lakers will be in the spotlight when the league resumes, if only to see if they are rusty or not after such a long, unexpected, mid-season layoff.

The Lakers, before the league was suspended, also added Markieff Morris and Dion Waiters to their roster.

The additions of Morris and Waiters are good moves, as it gives them two proven, contributing veterans with playoff experience.

Now the question is do the Lakers bring back DeMarcus ‘Boogie’ Cousins to make the circle complete?

Because of the league suspending play,, the extra time has given Cousins more time to get his body ready for the Lakers’ playoff run.

Cousins should be a viable option the Lakers should consider to boost their post season roster, especially if rosters are increased.

The veteran big man gives the Lakers a versatile weapon down low who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.

Cousins causes matchup problems for opponents with his unique skill set.

He’s another talented big man for teams to contend with along with AD Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.

The Lakers’ roster already has one of the most intimidating frontcourts in basketball. Their size, length and athleticism can’t be matched, and the addition of Cousins would be something to see and a scary sight for any opponent the Lakers might see in the postseason.

During his time playing alongside AD and Rajon Rondo in New Orleans, Cousins averaged some of the best numbers of his career at 25.0 points, 12.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.5 per cent from the floor and 35.9 per cent from beyond the arc.

If Cousins returns to the Lakers, he could become the team’s third-best player behind Davis and James, and put the Lakers in the drivers seat in their quest for their record-tying 17th NBA title.

A risk that the Lakers should take as he could make this squad an overwhelming favourite.